The Bottom Line
Pros
- Minor classic of the genre.
- Solid songwriting which combines bluesy swagger and classy melody.
- Aggression is counterbalanced perfectly.
Cons
- Doesn't quite compete with bigger albums of the day.
Description
- Released November 9, 2010 on Metal Mind Records.
- This was Fist’s 1980 debut.
- Featured future Hellbastard drummer Martin Harrison.
Guide Review - Fist - 'Turn The Hell On'
The band’s Turn the Hell On debut still sounds great some thirty years later, particularly with this well-packaged Metal Mind reissue. Standing somewhere between Motorhead, Maiden and Mercyful Fate sonically, the Fist quartet possessed more songwriting chops than most, while also elevating these tracks with a heaping dose of energy and innocent, fire-driven aggression.
As a result, Turn the Hell On is an up-and-down joyride of vintage metal composition, taking great care in making sure each melodic element—whether vocal or string—is counterbalanced by an equal feeling of devil-may-care swagger.
The band took two years to release the Back With a Vengeance follow-up, and was relatively silent until 2005’s Storm reunion LP. Although it remains to be seen whether or not Fist can make good on their once-promising career, one thing’s for sure: Turn the Hell On is a rockin, bluesey NWOBHM effort which kicks just as much ass in 2010 as it did in 1980. Believe it.


